How to Remove Sticky Residue From Tape on Paper

A tape dispenser

There are a lot of creative things to do with paper, especially around the holidays. Greeting cards, birthday cards, holiday cards, invitations, puzzles, drawings -- even making paper dolls. Tape is useful for displaying things, such as taping a picture to your refrigerator or wall. But what do you do when it's time to take it down and save it? Getting sticky tape residue off of something as delicate as paper can be nerve-wracking, especially if it's something important to you.

Things You'll Need

• Steam iron
• Sharp knife

Instructions

1. Turn on your steam iron and let it heat for about five minutes. Turn it to the steam setting.

2. Put the paper on a flat, even surface, with the sticky tape residue facing up. If there is ink or something heat-sensitive on the paper, try covering everything but the area to be steamed with a dry towel for protection.

3. Hold the iron over the paper as though you were going to iron a piece of clothing, with the steam dispenser about 6 inches from the paper.

4. Steam gently for about 10 seconds, or until the residue begins to melt.

5. Take your knife and gently scrape the residue from the paper. The steam should have loosened the glue enough so it is easily scraped away. Be careful of tearing or cutting the paper. If stubborn tape residue remains, allow the paper to dry and then repeat the process.

Tips & Warnings

• A hair dryer may also work to heat the glue, if you're nervous about getting the paper wet.

References

• Collectorsguide.com: Conserving Works in Paper
• Todaysmodernwoman.com: How To Remove Stickers from Paper

Resources

• Ask a Scientist: Removing Glue
• Tipnut.com: 30 Helpful Items to Remove Adhesive
• Archivesoutside.com: Conservation Tips: Removing Sticky Tape